Alexander Gundlach-Graham

People
Assistant Professor
Alexander Gundlach-Graham

Research in the Gundlach-Graham group focuses on the development and application of atomic mass spectrometry (MS) to address current measurement challenges in environmental and bioanalytical sciences.

We investigate the use of single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-TOFMS) for analysis of inorganic nanomaterials in complex matrices such as biological fluids and environmental samples.  We place specific emphasis on the development of novel sample introduction approaches, calibration strategies, and NP classification strategies with sp-ICP-TOFMS.  Accurate quantification of nanoparticles in terms of composition and particle-number concentration is critical for assessing routes of nanomaterial exposure and supporting nanotoxicological studies. 

In a second research project, we investigate a new high-power nitrogen-sustained microwave inductively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasma (MICAP) source for atomic mass spectrometry.  This research is motivated by persistent limitations of the conventional argon-sustained ICP, such high cost of operation, incompatibility with ambient (air-based) aerosol sample introduction, and argon-based polyatomic interferences that complicate mass-spectral analysis.  Here, we explore the combination of the MICAP source with mass spectrometry to develop a next-generation argon-free ICP-MS.

Department: 
Chemistry
Area of Expertise: 
Analytical Chemistry
Atomic Mass Spectrometry
Nanomaterial Analysis
Mass Spectrometer Design
Education: 
B.A., Chemistry, Earlham College, 2008
Ph.D., Chemistry, Inidiana University, 2013
Contact
515-294-7853
3101C Hach Hall, 2438 Pammel Drive
Ames
Iowa
50011